Principal Engineer - Special Programs
The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.
At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.
The Special Programs Division (SPD) supports the US Space Force's Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) Special Programs Corps (SP) in acquiring ground and space segments; defining future architectures; and research and development for the space domain awareness mission and integrated battle management and control systems. The Principal Engineer is the technical lead for SPD and a representative to the warfighter for delivering SMC/SP technical support to operational activities, and will:
- Act as principal technical authority to define and enable program continuity from concept design through development, deployment and operation
- Act as the key interface between customers' and Aerospace technical and management staffs
- Collaborate across program/project lines for integrated enterprise efficiencies
What You'll Be Doing
Principal technical authority and consultant to SPD General Manger and SP Director
Develop advanced analytical techniques, concepts, and/or design criteria
Conduct technology, performance, and engineering assessments, and verification of national priority systems for the SP Director
Support warfighter needs with tools, training, and analysis
Develop corporate position and recommendations on pertinent technical issues and problems for SPD and SMC/SP.
Serve on working groups addressing system architecture, system engineering, agile mission assurance and technical problems
Support executive management with corporate and enterprise initiatives, IRAD evaluations, Red Teams, and research in key technical areas
Identify emerging and technical areas that SPD needs to investigate and/or adopt
Mentor engineers (both Aerospace and customer) in developing the next generation of technical talent
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in an appropriate technical discipline from a recognized institution
• 15 or more years of progressively responsible relevant experience in appropriate discipline
• Practical system engineering background: experience in developing systems and grasp of dependencies between various subsystems and technologies to include hardware and software
• Demonstrated ability to leverage SMEs across the corporation
• Significant contribution to larger project efforts
• Current Top Secret/SCI clearance required, which is issued by the US government. US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more these:
• Advanced degree in an appropriate technical discipline from a recognized institution
• Understanding of the operational/warfighter community and their needs
• Actual field or deployed operations experience
Ways We Reward Our Employees
During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.
Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:
- Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
- Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
- Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
- 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
- Flexible spending accounts
- Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
- Relocation assistance
- Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
- Education assistance programs
- An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect
We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at [email protected]. You can also review The Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the supplement, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.